Taichung announces two new cases of Japanese encephalitis

2012/07/16 19:44:33

Taipei, July 16 (CNA) Taichung health officials announced Monday two new cases of Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne disease, and urged the public to take precautions against mosquitoes during the disease's peak season.

Two women aged 30 and 42, respectively, developed symptoms of fever and headache in late June. Both live near rice paddies, where mosquitoes carrying the virus are easily found, according to the centralcity's health bureau.

They were later hospitalized for treatment after their conditions deteriorated, health officials said, adding that one had since been discharged, while the other was still receiving treatment.

The officials urged the public to get vaccinated as the best defense against the virus.

There have been 23 confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis around Taiwan so far this year, according to the lastest data from the Centers for Disease Control.